Coach Allen Raves About Matt Hohlt’s Character Following Surprise Scholarship Reveal

Written by Ethan Roberts

In 2021, linebacker Matt Hohlt joined the Hoosiers as a walk-on athlete. He is a former zero-star prospect out of Center Grove High School. With only two appearances in 2021, he continued to work his tail off in attempt to work his way up the depth chart. After 19 tackles posted in the 2022 season, he was surprised with a heart-warming announcement.

Surrounded by his teammates in the team room in Memorial Stadium, Hohlt watched on as linebackers coach Chad Wilt revealed the next name on the “Swarm D” board.

“That Swarm D board when you look at it, they are the standard, they are the example,” Wilt said. “They’re bought in. They’re all in. You’re going to know that this guy gives it every time he steps on the field. I want this guy in the foxhole with me.”

Head Coach Tom Allen then revealed that Matt Hohlt would be added to the scholarship list. The room voiced their approval.

“Those moments are always special and wherever you see them from it is always a pretty cool thing,” Allen said. “When you know so much about [Matt Hohlt] and how hard he has worked, he is so respectful. You saw the response, and it is always a big response, but that was pretty passionate. It was just so genuine with our guys. They love him and respect him. He has worked so hard, and he is a good football player.”

Coach Allen spoke to the media Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium and had a lot to say about Hohlt’s work ethic.

“He has such great instincts, but it’s the details,” Allen said. “It's the way he works, the way he prepares, the way he practices, the way he does everything. It is at such a high level, and it allows him to be very effective. He was a really good player for us last year, so he earned it. He came here as a walk-on and pretty cool that his dad did the same thing. It's kind of neat to see him have that opportunity and those are the ones you can't wait for.”

Hohlt, a redshirt sophomore, is projected to be the backup weak-side linebacker behind redshirt senior Aaron Casey. His playing time should make a leap from last season as he continues to gain the respect of the coaching staff.